Marvel announced that the actor will reprise his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark for The Avengers 2 and The Avengers 3. Downey Jr. has played the character in a trilogy of "Iron Man" films, as well as the first superhero ensemble Avengers film, which made US$2.7 billion worldwide.

Joss Whedon is to return as director of the next Avengers film. He is writing the screenplay now. Production is to begin in March, with a theatrical release in May 2015.

The 48-year-old actor had previously suggested Iron Man 3 might be his last spin in a stand-alone Iron Man film. Marvel's announcement made no mention of an Iron Man 4 release.